The UK market is quickly becoming the prime hunting ground for a growing pack of Chinese vehicle manufacturers who are seeking to expand their horizons overseas, including BYD, NIO, and MG (a marque of SAIC Motor), among others. As a result, Omoda, which is a facet of Chery, joins the list of state-owned Chinese automobile companies jostling to become household names in the UK. However, Omoda has ambitions beyond merely undercutting the established titans and is looking to cause a major upset in the luxury EV market with their latest champion: the Omoda E5.
Compared to their other Chinese peers, Omoda is fresh blood and only entered the UK market in May 2024, having used Spain as a launchpad for their European adventure. They agreed on a joint venture deal with EV Motors to obtain a former Nissan factory in Barcelona. Prior to this, Omoda was only declared an independent entity of Chery in April 2023, and for much of its maiden year, targeted the Chinese domestic, Russian, South African, and Mexican markets.
Omoda's rapid growth has emboldened them to try their hand in Europe, with the E5 and its petrol counterpart acting as their spearhead. Immediately, the price tag of £33,500 for a “luxury” EV is attractive and will definitely turn the heads of those wanting to go green without the associated premium. The E5 does not mess around either and is fitted with a BYD Blade lithium-iron-phosphate 61.4 kWh battery. This makes the Omoda extremely efficient, using most of its cells with only 1 kWh of battery capacity not available.
The E5 will be front-wheel drive with a 201 bhp electric motor mounted on the front axle, coupled with a WLTP range of 257 miles, although something around the 230-mile mark is more realistic in normal road conditions. Thanks to its battery, the E5 will be able to charge up to 80 kW, allowing the vehicle to charge from 10% to 80% in roughly 40 minutes.
As an electric SUV, the Qashqai-sized Omoda is designed to compete with the likes of the MG 4 EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, and VW ID.3. It is styled to blend in with its competition, featuring various design elements borrowed from other brands such as Toyota. The swooping roof design gives the E5 a sleek look while still being practical. Instead of focusing on flamboyant and outlandish designs, Omoda's emphasis on functionality will appeal to those seeking a reliable vehicle that isn’t too conspicuous. However, the roof design does result in a limited boot capacity of only 380 litres, which the E5 tries to compensate for with a spare wheel.
Where the Omoda E5 truly shines is its impressive suite of infotainment and technological features available at a bargain price. While the interior is smart and dignified, with some plastic components that could detract from the upmarket feel, the main attraction is the pair of 12.3-inch touchscreens. One controls the infotainment system, while the other serves as the digital instrument display. All trim levels of the Omoda come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an eight-speaker Sony stereo system, 50W double wireless fast charging for mobile phones (with ventilated charging pads), a rear-view camera, a head-up display, automatic LED lights, and 16 driver assistance features.
Additionally, the E5 scored the maximum 5 stars on the Euro NCAP safety test, highlighting its commitment to safety. For an extra £2000, the baseline Comfort model can be upgraded to the Noble trim level, which includes a 360-degree parking camera, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, heated synthetic leather seats, two-zone climate control, and an air purification system. All levels are protected by a generous 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which is another of Omoda’s selling points.
The internal combustion engine (ICE) variant boasts all the same features and starts from an enticing £24,000. It runs on a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with 187 bhp. By injecting the E5 into the budget SUV market, Omoda is emulating their fellow Chinese firms by tempting consumers away from traditional vehicle choices with functionality and a host of first-rate tech.
Yet it will be interesting to see if the E5 is able to meet its makers’ aspirations and truly disrupt the luxury EV market with its inviting price. What can be said, though, is that the E5 will definitely give its competitors, such as the MG 4 and BYD Atto 3, a run for their money and will be a top choice for those eager to embrace electrification.